Step 2: RinseRinse glass bottles, plastic containers, and aluminum and tin cans. Labels do not have to be removed. Recycle the plastic caps of water and soda bottles, but toss the ones from laundry detergent and food containers.

If you're confused about whether a plastic item can be recycled, look for its resin identification code – a triangle with a number inside. Products marked "1" and "2" are recyclable. Don't recycle unmarked plastic containers.

Step 4: Handle with cautionContact your local sanitation department for instructions on how to dispose of anything that held potentially hazardous material such as motor oil, pesticides, paint, solvents, and batteries.

Be careful about recycling that can be used to steal your identity, like financial statements and unsolicited, pre-approved credit card applications. Shred them before recycling.

Step 6: Gather cardboardRemove any tape from cardboard boxes and brown paper bags before flattening them. Check if items like pizza and cereal boxes are recycled in your area. If they are, include them, too.

Step 7: Dispose

Find out when your city picks up recycling – sometimes on a different day from when garbage is collected – so you know when to leave those bins and boxes